Can I tattoo someone who is pregnant?

There is no specific UK law banning it, but most studios decline to tattoo during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. Record your decision either way.

What if a client is on blood thinners?

It increases bleeding and can affect healing. Many artists ask the client to consult their GP first and record that conversation. Use your professional judgement and document it.

Tattoo Medical History Form (Free UK Template)

Updated June 2026 · 4 min read

Screening a client's medical history protects both of you - it flags conditions that affect bleeding, healing and infection risk, and it is part of the consent record an assessor will want to see. Use the free questionnaire below.

Client Medical History Questionnaire

Complete with the client before every procedure.

Client name
Date

Please tick any that apply and add detail

Diabetes
Haemophilia / clotting disorder
Blood-borne virus (HIV, Hepatitis B/C)
Heart condition or pacemaker
Epilepsy
Allergies - latex, inks, metals, plasters
Currently taking medication
Blood-thinning medication (e.g. warfarin, aspirin)
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Skin condition at the site (eczema, psoriasis, moles)
Previous reaction to a tattoo or piercing
Keloid / problem scarring

Other relevant history

I confirm the above is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signature

Why medical screening matters

Some conditions raise the risk of excessive bleeding, poor healing or infection, and a few are reasons to decline or to seek a GP's go-ahead first. Recording the answers shows you took reasonable care if a problem ever arises.

Blood thinners & clotting disorders - more bleeding, harder healing.
Diabetes - slower healing, higher infection risk.
Blood-borne viruses - inform your cross-infection precautions.
Allergies - latex, specific inks or metals, plasters.
Pregnancy - many studios decline as a precaution.

Keep it with the consent form

Medical history is part of the same liability record as consent. Store them together, securely, and treat them as special-category health data under UK GDPR. InkReady captures the checklist as part of each consent record automatically.

Stop juggling paper forms

InkReady stores every record securely, searchable in seconds, and builds your Inspection-Ready Pack automatically. Free for up to 20 consent records.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I tattoo someone who is pregnant?: There is no specific UK law banning it, but most studios decline to tattoo during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. Record your decision either way.
What if a client is on blood thinners?: It increases bleeding and can affect healing. Many artists ask the client to consult their GP first and record that conversation. Use your professional judgement and document it.

This guide is general information for UK tattoo studios, not legal advice. Council byelaws and Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme criteria vary - always confirm the exact requirements with your local authority's Environmental Health team.